Short Term Mission Teams
PROJECTS LIST
TIME LINE
FAQ’s
Does PATH accept teams to do projects at Otino Waa Children’s Village?
What do teams do? What skills are needed?
Projects are pre-approved and are structured to match existing needs with construction, education, health, orphans, church and general maintenance. We have developed a list of projects that (almost) always appropriate.
How do teams prepare? (meetings & materials)
The team needs leadership, organizational meetings, pre planning, application and communication with PATH administration. There are certain steps that PATH will require. A team organizational outline (see Hand Book) is available that will guide team leaders and members through all of the process. It contains all of the information that is necessary from start to finish to make your STM trip successful
Is there an application process or deadlines?
Yes. At least seven months prior to a projected arrival date, a DATE REQUEST FORM must be submitted. Once that is complete, there is an INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION FORM that must be submitted at least six months prior to arrival. Failure to meet these deadlines could result in cancellation of the STM trip.
What team size requirements are there?
Because of lodging and transportation limitations, a team of ten is the maximum.
How much does it cost? (All funding)
The travel costs can vary, depending on how far in advance you book, but the average international portion (only) can range from $1700-2500 per person, rt. The domestic portion is dependant on your location.
NOTE - It is not unusual to see the cost of airfare increase as much as 60% over a nine month period.
Layovers (lodging) in London and Amsterdam can be about 50% higher than a typical hotel or meals in the US. In country costs (all inclusive) in Uganda range from $85-105 per day, per person, depending on the size of the team. Project costs will vary with the size of the team and the required materials.
Do I need immunizations?
Yes. You need to check with the current requirements at the CDC . Yellow fever and malaria protection are necessary, but you should also be current with tetanus, typhoid, Hep A/B and traveler’s diarrhea. Check your personal records and get your doctor’s advice.
Are there age requirements?
Yes. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 12 are not accepted unless pre-approved by the directors.
How long does it take to get to Uganda?
Travel time will vary with your domestic location, but it will require two full days, each way. Travel (in Uganda) from Entebbe to Lira (Otino Waa) will take 6-8 hours by bus.
How long are teams there?
It is requested that the team plan on 10 days maximum, not including travel or R&R days, unless other arrangements are made.
Where do teams stay?
Currently there are no guest facilities. All teams stay in Lira, which is about 6 miles from Otino Waa and are transported each day, as needed. Accommodations are modest and basic at a local hotel.
Do I need to know another language?
No. Because of the long term British influence in Uganda, English is one of the primary languages. You will be able to communicate with the native PATH staff and the children of Otino Waa. The exception might be the people in the more remote village settings who would speak less English. Learning a few basic words of Luo will gain you smiles and conversations.
What is the weather like?
Northern Uganda has one wet season, April through October. It is warm and dry November through March. 79 degrees is the national average temperature, although 95-100 degrees is not uncommon in the north during the dry season. CURRENT WEATHER
Is Uganda a safe place?
Yes. The unrest created by the rebels (LRA) has greatly diminished in the past few years and no major outbreaks of violence have been recorded recently. You can easily move about in the daytime, but travel at night should be restricted because of the normal occurrences of theft. You should always check with the US Dept. of State and the PATH office for current conditions.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. (see Dress Code in the Team Hand Book ).
What is a typical day for a team?
The team will normally be bussed to Otino Waa by 8 am. Projects are generally conducted at Otino Waa during the day, unless other arrangements are made. Team members are welcome to eat lunch at the homes, or pack their own meal. The day will end at approximately 5 pm.
Is it possible to see other parts of Uganda?
Yes. Arrangements can be made to see a national park containing a variety of African wildlife. Shopping can be arranged in Kampala or the national park. These additions must be known BEFORE arrival and additional costs will be factored in.
What if I have further questions?
Please contact the US Operations Manager
